Introduction
T20 cricket has always been a fast-paced format where every ball can change the game. Unlike ODIs or Tests, there is very little room for caution — teams are expected to attack from the very beginning. For India, one of the biggest ongoing debates is about Shubman Gill’s batting style and whether his tendency to play the “anchor role” fits into the team’s aggressive T20I template.
Recently, former cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra shared his opinion on this topic. He believes that Gill’s anchor role could disturb India’s natural T20 rhythm, especially during tournaments like the Asia Cup 2025. In this blog, we will take a detailed look at what Chopra said, what an anchor role means in T20 cricket, and how it can affect India’s strategy moving forward.
What is an Anchor Role in T20 Cricket?
In cricket, the anchor role refers to a batsman who stays at the crease for a long time, ensuring stability while others play aggressively around him. The anchor usually scores at a moderate strike rate, focusing on building partnerships rather than explosive hitting.
This role works well in formats like Test cricket and ODIs. However, in T20 cricket, where the strike rate often decides the winner, an anchor can sometimes slow down the overall scoring rate.
Some successful anchors in T20 history include Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli, but even they have been criticized at times for not matching the ultra-aggressive T20 tempo.
India’s Traditional T20I Template
India’s T20 batting structure is usually based on three phases:
- Powerplay (0-6 overs):
The team aims to maximize fielding restrictions with a blazing start. Openers like Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, or Yashasvi Jaiswal thrive here by attacking bowlers. - Middle Overs (7-15 overs):
A mix of controlled aggression and strike rotation. This is where anchors sometimes play a role, but India often relies on players like Suryakumar Yadav who can keep the tempo high. - Death Overs (16-20 overs):
Power hitters like Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja look to finish strong, often scoring 50+ runs in the last four overs.
If Gill plays too slowly in the powerplay or early middle overs, it could reduce the cushion for hitters later on. That’s exactly what Chopra fears.
Aakash Chopra’s Concerns Explained
In his YouTube analysis, Aakash Chopra highlighted that:
- Gill’s natural style leans towards building an innings rather than explosive hitting.
- While this works in ODIs and Tests, it could “disrupt India’s T20I template”.
- Against teams like UAE, where India is expected to dominate, Gill’s slow approach might reduce India’s ability to put pressure on the opposition.
Chopra’s main point is that India already has enough stability in their batting lineup. What they need in T20Is is fearless hitters from the start, not another batsman who consumes balls before accelerating.
The Case in Favor of Gill’s Anchor Role
While Chopra’s concerns are valid, it’s also important to look at the other side. An anchor role isn’t always bad in T20 cricket.
Here are some situations where Gill’s style could actually help India:
- On difficult pitches – If the ball is swinging or the pitch is slow, an anchor can prevent a collapse by holding one end.
- Against strong bowling attacks – Playing cautiously against teams like Australia or England can give India time to build a foundation before attacking later.
- When chasing tricky targets – In a tense chase, anchors can ensure wickets are in hand for the final overs.
In short, Gill’s role can be valuable in specific situations — but it has to be balanced with India’s overall strategy.
India vs UAE – The Asia Cup 2025 Context
The latest debate arose in the build-up to India’s clash against UAE in the Asia Cup 2025. Matches against relatively weaker opponents often demand aggressive batting because it boosts net run rate (NRR) and sends a strong message to rivals.
If Gill plays slowly here, it might not hurt the result, but it could reduce India’s dominance. This is why Chopra believes Gill’s role in such games should be reconsidered. Instead of anchoring, he should adapt and play with more intent.
The Evolution of India’s T20 Strategy
India’s T20 strategy has already gone through several transformations:
- Early Years (2007-2015): Focus on experienced players and safety-first cricket.
- Middle Phase (2016-2021): Anchors like Kohli dominated the batting lineup, often chasing targets methodically.
- Current Era (2022 onwards): A shift toward aggressive batting from ball one, inspired by England’s “Bazball” approach.
The big question is: Where does Gill fit into this system?
Can Gill Adapt?
For Shubman Gill to cement his place in India’s T20 team, he may need to adjust:
- Strike Rate Improvement: His T20 strike rate currently lags behind other openers. Raising it above 140 consistently could be key.
- Match Awareness: Adapting to situations — anchoring only when needed, attacking otherwise.
- Powerplay Aggression: Making better use of field restrictions to ensure India doesn’t fall behind early.
If Gill evolves his approach, he can become both a reliable anchor and a dangerous striker — the perfect blend India needs.
Chopra’s Message to Team Management
Aakash Chopra’s broader message is directed not just at Gill but also at the team management. India must decide:
- Should they stick with their aggressive T20 template and ask Gill to adapt?
- Or should they give Gill the freedom to play his natural game, even if it slows things down?
The answer might depend on match conditions and opposition. But one thing is clear — India cannot afford to compromise their power-hitting approach in modern T20 cricket.
Conclusion
Aakash Chopra’s analysis has once again sparked an important debate in Indian cricket. Can Gill’s anchor role disrupt India’s T20I template? The answer is: Yes, it can — but it doesn’t always have to.
Gill is a talented batsman with the ability to adapt. If he can combine his natural stability with a more aggressive intent, he could become a complete T20 opener. The Asia Cup 2025 and upcoming tournaments will be the testing ground for this evolution.
